Dear John,
My recent emails have focused on the technology issues at the Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (ARCC) and the guilty plea by the former chief deputy assessor for technology. The sentencing of the official was delayed until September 29 because of COVID.
Today, I am announcing a detailed strategy to modernize the office.
If elected, I will immediately authorize an independent, outside investigation of current practices for awarding contracts and establish best practices.
My research has confirmed that the ARCC must update its antiquated website to better serve taxpayers and business, complete development of an integrated property tax management system, and implement a modern solution for identifying new construction permits, which will allow for increased revenue for education and other public services. Our property taxes fund education and other public services.
My strategy for thoroughly correcting these technology problems includes:
Establishing an independent advisory committee to help current ARCC staff and county IT experts conduct an inventory of all technology currently used and/or purchased by the ARCC.
Reviewing what technology is necessary for the ARCC to best serve the public. This process will include extensive interviews with individual and business property owners to determine how the ARCC can better identify and respond to their needs, including:
How to assure current office systems work at their optimal level.
Finding and correcting technology lapses and vulnerabilities.
Identifying and correcting shortcoming with interface/design.
Identifying, duplicating and improving the “best practices” of other county assessors in California.
Defining specific services wanted/needed by taxpayers and setting goals for implementing those services.
My experience includes a four-year term on the San Diego City Council, where I chaired the City’s Budget Committee, 30 years in the technology sector as an entrepreneur and executive, service on corporate, public, and non-profit boards including President of the Children’s Museum of San Diego, and the National Commission on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Voting starts in less than 45 days. I appreciate your contribution to help us reach the county’s two million voters and to bring new leadership to the ARCC.
